Police catch man trying to break into ATM

A Washington man was caught Friday night by Washington police as he tried to pry open an automated teller machine outside First Niagara Bank.

David James Lewis, 23, of 55 W. Katherine Ave., not only is accused of trying to break open the machine outside the bank at 200 W. Beau St., but he also allegedly broke into machines at Maiden Street Car Wash, 236 E. Maiden St.

Police were called about 7:45 p.m. for a report of a person dressed all in black holding a crowbar at the bank’s ATM. When police arrived, they saw a man kneeling in front of the machine. When the thief, later identified as Lewis, saw police he fled on foot.

Lewis ran in the direction of Jollick Manor. Police took him into custody after he fell and they used a Taser.

A large Gerber knife was found in some bushes a few feet away from the ATM. No money was stolen but the machine was heavily damaged.

While at the station, police received a call from the owner of the car wash. He told police that three coin machines and an ATM were entered, but no cash was stolen.

Lewis was arraigned before District Judge Gary Havelka on two counts of attempted theft and criminal mischief as well as having a prohibited offensive weapon and possessing instrument of a crime. He was placed in Washington County Jail on $15,000 bond.

Kathie Warco

Staff Writer

Kathie O. Warco has covered the police beat and transportation for the Observer-Reporter for more than 25 years. She graduated from Duquesne University with a degree in journalism.